'IF MY BABY IS STRUGGLES AT MY BREAST, WHAT CAN I DO?'

Kellie Eason RN, RM, IBCLC

Kellie is a Nurse, Midwife & International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over 25 years experience in supporting families with Breast, Bottle Feeding & Sleep/Settling Issues. She works in private practice at Osteo 4 Kids & Adults, Preston Vic 3072 & Family Tree Health, Greensborough VIC 3088.  Kellie is also an expert contributor to FIT FOR 2 PRO, alongside a group of other healthcare professionals supporting families.  Kellie provides in home, clinic based and Skype/FaceTime consultations via MILK...early parenting support

From the feedback I get from new mums, most are taught to breastfeed their baby either by:
1. The midwife holding their breast and pushing the baby's head or shoulders on to latch
   OR
2. Seat upright, mum hold's baby's head, if baby gapes wide, bring baby to mum.....if baby doesn't gape wide, baby cries and baby is sort of "shoved on" (I call this the "shove" method)

IT REALLY DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT DIFFICULT FOR MOST BABIES!

Babies are born with the instinctive ability to find the breast and latch by themselves.

If you lean back and tuck your baby in super close, nose opposite your nipple with head tilted back, he or she will be able to tap into those instincts to latch, by searching and opening his/her mouth wide to latch.

FLAT/INVERTED NIPPLES?
You may need to support and shape your breast to facilitate your baby's latch

If this is unachievable, you may need a nipple shield - Contact an IBCLC http://www.lcanz.org/find-a-lactation-consultant/

LARGE BREASTED?
Use your bra cup as a supportive ledge to support the weight of your breast
       
​      OR

Use a rolled facewasher/handtowel beneath your breast to support the weight of your breast...

STILL HAVING DIFFICULTIES LATCHING?
Arrange a consultation with us online via milkearlyparentingsupport.com or call us on 0473 799 478
You can also find an IBCLC in your area to assess and support your breastfeeding via www.lcanz.org/find-a-lactation-consultant/